Local Insider Opinion, Author at The Local Insider News

A call to protect your right to participate freely in Scituate Town Financial Meeting

On Nov. 3, Scituate residents will find Local Question #1 on the ballot. The act regards future motions made at Scituate’s annual Financial Town Meeting. This ballot question required Rhode Island state legislative approval, (S 3316, enacted 06/24/2026) as our…

October 6, 2026

Louis S. Long – Lincoln

Louis S. Long, of Rhode Island, died on Sept. 15, 2026, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center. He was born on April 25, 1950, in Providence, Rhode Island. Mr. Long graduated from Hope High School and went on to receive his…

October 1, 2026

The race to relevance: What my first year leading a chamber taught me

By Monika P. Zuluaga, President & CEO, Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Someone said something to me this year that I haven’t been able to shake. “Chambers of Commerce lack innovation.” I wasn’t offended. I actually agreed. After a…

September 28, 2026

I had lunch with one of my internet critics

We’ve all seen them, and probably tried to block them out as much as possible. They comment under every story, turning even the most innocuous topic or conversation into something worthy of mass outrage. I’ve had more than my share…

September 18, 2026

What’s being proposed in Smithfield shouldn’t be hard to find

One of the things I have learned working in local government is that there can be a considerable difference between information being public and information actually being easy to find. Planning applications are a good example. The plans, supporting documents,…

September 10, 2026

Reyes: It’s time to stop rationing education in Pawtucket

By Omar Reyes A few months ago, I attended a moving-up ceremony at Cunningham Elementary School. One of my favorite things to do as a School Committee member is attend graduations and moving-up ceremonies. They showcase the hope and promise…

August 28, 2026

Times are tough enough, RI Energy shouldn’t be making them worse

By Rep. Karen Alzate All of us need energy. Electricity to keep the lights on and natural gas to heat our homes are necessities to live, not luxuries. Small businesses cannot operate and families cannot function and thrive without power. …

August 28, 2026

Deutsch: Why Lincoln Democrats endorsed Keith Hoffmann

Public service begins with a simple promise: Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, protected by the law and heard by their government.As chairperson of the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee, I spend a great deal of time listening to…

August 27, 2026

Anderson thanks everyone for their help with ‘chaotic and dangerous’ crash

On behalf of the Cumberland Fire District, I would like to acknowledge everyone involved in the tragic motor vehicle crash on Interstate 295 in Cumberland on Aug. 20. First and most importantly, we extend our sincere condolences to the families…

August 24, 2026

Sen. Thompson: Xay’s our guy for LG

Xay’s my guy for Lieutenant Governor, because he’s a forward-thinking leader who will help us navigate the major challenges and hurdles facing Rhode Island families with competence and common sense. It may seem unusual for a Blackstone Valley Senator to…

August 22, 2026